Tiny home rules in Ojai, CA — covering tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), park model RVs, and tiny home on foundation builds — determine where they are legal and how they get permitted.
Ojai is one of the few California cities allowing movable tiny houses as ADUs. The original two-year pilot (Ord. 923) sunsetted Nov. 26, 2023, capped at 399 sq ft. A 2025 draft replacement ordinance proposes 440 sq ft max, 14 ft height, 4-ft side/rear setbacks. Tiny homes on permanent foundations qualify as standard ADUs under Ord. 905 (CA Gov Code 65852.2).
Ojai allows two paths for tiny homes. (1) Tiny homes on permanent foundations are treated as standard ADUs under Ojai Ord. 905 (effective Feb 27, 2020) implementing CA Gov Code 65852.2: detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft, 4-ft side/rear setbacks, 16-ft height (per the state floor), with ministerial approval by the Community Development Director. (2) Movable tiny houses were authorized under Ord. 923, a two-year pilot (signed Nov 12, 2021, expired Nov 26, 2023) that capped units at 399 sq ft and limited the City to no more than 10 zoning clearances per calendar year. After the pilot expired, the City Council on April 8, 2025 introduced a draft replacement ordinance setting a 440 sq ft maximum, 14 ft max height, 4-ft side/rear setbacks, design compatibility with the primary residence, composting toilets allowed for units that cannot connect to sewer (no septic), and a 20-unit cap in the first calendar year. Movable units must be accessory to a principal residential dwelling on the same parcel. Verify current adopted status before applying - call Ojai Community Development at (805) 646-5581 x112.
Building or occupying an unpermitted tiny home or movable tiny house violates Ojai zoning and building code. Movable tiny houses operated outside the active pilot/ordinance limits are not authorized as housing. CA AB 2533 (2024) opens an amnesty path for certain pre-2020 unpermitted ADUs (foundation-built) but does not legalize movable tiny houses on wheels.
Ojai, CA
Ojai enforces strict decibel limits to protect the peaceful valley environment. Residential noise standards are among the more restrictive in Ventura County.
Ojai, CA
Ojai's noise ordinance prohibits racing engines, unnecessary idling for more than 10 minutes, and intentional tire screeching. CA Vehicle Code §27007 (95 dBA...
Ojai, CA
Ojai regulates noise under OMC Chapter 7-6, incorporating Ventura County noise standards. Residential nighttime noise must not exceed 45 dBA at the property ...
Ojai, CA
Amplified music in Ojai is governed by the general noise ordinance (OMC Chapter 7-6). Outdoor amplified music requires a special event permit if audible beyo...
Ojai, CA
Nuisance barking violates Ojai's noise ordinance (OMC Title 5, Chapter 11). Police may charge property owners for law enforcement costs after the first respo...
Ojai, CA
CVC §22651 limits vehicles to 72 hours on public streets. Ojai enforces parking through the Ventura County Sheriff's Department. The small downtown area has ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Ventura County.
See how other cities in Ventura County handle tiny homes.
See how Ojai's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.